Power on the run…
I thought this was amazing… Jog to charge mobile phones
until I came across this…In-sole design to charge mobile phone ‘on the move’
It’s a bit odd that these two seemingly related news stories – appearing within a few weeks of each other – are actually about two different inventions occurring in two very separate parts of the world. On the other hand, it may just be a cool coincidence.
I think the point to ponder is which of these two has protected his/ her invention with a patent? And should dispute arise in future, how will he/ she demonstrate the primacy of his/ her invention? There is many a slip betwixt the cup (of invention) and the lip (of innovation and successful commercialisation)…
I am a bit biased of course, but the invention from India sounds like it addresses a real need whereas the one in Scotland (nearer where I live now) is another extension of indulgence..
After all, aren’t we soon enough going to find out how to entertain ourselves on long-haul flights without our electronic paraphernalia, just like the olden days, when the now-pervasive cacophony of a million iPods emitting their tinny noises and the collective radiation from them all in the Faraday cage of a train coach were unimaginable?
Comment by S Y | August 12, 2006
Good point. I think the Scottish “invention” is likely to be patented first because of better awareness about these things and also because resources are not a constraint.
That said, the Indian guy will almost certainly be able to demonstrate prior art with respect to India and may be protected in at least the Indian market from a competing product.
Comment by Shantanu | August 30, 2006